President Obama delivers his 2012 State of the Union Address. / Saul Loeb, AP

by By David Jackson, USA TODAY

by By David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama is expected to deliver his State of the Union Address on Feb. 12.

"Our nation continues to face immense challenges, and the American people expect us to work together in the new year to find meaningful solutions," wrote House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, in a letter inviting Obama to address a joint session of Congress.

Boehner, who has clashed with Obama in recent months over taxes and spending, added: "This will require a willingness to seek common ground as well as presidential leadership."

Obama is likely to accept the Feb. 12 days; White House and Boehner aides have discussed scheduling options in recent days.

This will be the first State of the Union Address of Obama's second term.

Among Obama's potential State of the Union topics: ongoing battles with Congress over debt reduction, an immigration bill and a package of legislation to address gun violence.

Last year, Obama gave his State of the Union speech on Jan. 24.

This year's event is later because Obama has another major event -- an inaugural speech -- on Jan. 21.

Feb. 12, by the way, is considered a celebration by some: It is Abraham Lincoln's birthday.